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Monday, 21 May 2012

Down to Earth with a Bump!

Ah well, all good things must come to an end. Isn't that an awful glass half empty, buzzkill of an expression, though? To me, it smacks of Mondays and holidays ending and diets starting and bloody loads of ironing....or maybe I'm just reading too much into it?

The cocktail bar in The Merchant

Fittingly, the media whirlwind of last week was topped off with a wee night away in the Merchant* with Loverboy-only the fanciest schmanciest hotel in Belfast! It was a gift for his recent (big) birthday from his brother and sister in law, and it even included babysitting! Now, THAT'S what I call a present! Don't take this the wrong way but, (speaking for myself), it was a zillion times better than last year's gift of sewer rods. Although not an obvious gift choice, they've proved to be very useful in their own way, and Loverboy certainly seems to spend many a happy hour outside, sticking them down drains or whatever else you do with them.
That said, I'd be lying if I said that this year's gift wasn't much closer to my own heart, and even though it wasn't technically my present, I can enjoy it too, non? And logically, as my appreciation likely deepens HIS enjoyment, everyone's a winner here!
So, into the Big Smoke we went, straight to the brand new Mac for a constitutional glass of wine and a yummy cheese and ham toastie, which was somewhat pretentiously named a Croque Monsieur. (Or maybe they were being ironic? I'm not sure.) Then it was off around the town, soaking up the atmosphere and having a mooch in the shops.

Nice work, if you can get it!

I just HAD to show you the picture of this boyo though, (and yes we did put money in his basket!). Is this not the laziest bit of busking you've ever seen in your life? What basically happens is, he sticks on a bit of music and then kicks back while the two giant Tiny Tears up the front do all the work! Not a bad gig at all and it got me thinking about 'Billy Bass' on the wall in the playroom.He's a fish on a plaque that wriggles about and sings 'Dont Worry, Be Happy' and 'Take me to the River'. Now, what's to stop me bringing Billy, a load of batteries, a picnic, a deck chair, and most importantly of all, a sturdy cash receptacle, and setting up in Corn Market some Saturday afternoon? Bound to be worth a few quid surely, and the craic'd be ninety!

To the manor born..

After that, it was off to the Merchant, and up to our HUGE art deco inspired room- pure luxury-it even had gold leather cushioned doors on the wardrobe, and a mirror with lights right around it, just like in Cabaret! I was in heaven! Honestly though, how does one stay in a Holiday Inn after this? For me, the answer is an unequivocal 'they don't !' (unless of course, you've 5 kids in tow, in which case all bets are off.)
We went up for a nosy to the top floor, where there's a gym, (as if) and an outdoor hot tub looking out over the city. Perfect for quaffing champers in, but unfortunately, another couple had the same idea. Himself and myself couldn't be arsed making small talk, and besides, I'd just had a blow dry and hadn't shaved my legs, so we headed back to the room to languish happily, reading magazines and 'double Apple-ing'**(Me!), before heading out for dinner.
In the midst of all this relaxation, I became terribly distracted by a photograph, posted by a friend on my Facebook wall, of one of the most delicious caramel squares I'd ever clapped eyes on. Instantly demanding to know who supplied her, she informed me of an entire stall dedicated to tray bakes in St. George's market -just ponder on that for a moment- because quite frankly, I've been able to think of little else ever since. So in the name of research, I'm off to see the wizard next weekend and I intend to stockpile several- I even plan on testing their freezability potential, but don't fret, I'll give you a full and detailed analysis.
It has to be said, that it was the loveliest of twenty four hours- my only complaint was that it wasn't long enough! One minute I was in the Great Room in the Merchant having a 3 course breakfast, and the next, (or so it seemed!), putting on a wash and making the lunches. Talk about down to earth with a bump! Then again, maybe it helps you appreciate it all the more? And sure, as someone helpfully reminded me- all good things must come to an end....
* I am not being sponsored to give lovely compliments to this hotel....but I SO would if I was asked.*bats eyelashes*
** Managing two Apple products simultaneously.

I MAY have mentioned this before ;-) but I'm a finalist in two categories in the MAD Blog Awards. If you're feeling any love at all for this wee blog, I'd really appreciate it if you could vote for me in the Family Life category (the other one is decided by judges). Here's the link- http://www.the-mads.com/vote.htm and thank you very much xxxx
PS While you're there, check out the other finalists-who'd have believed there were so many amazing blogs out there?

Ah no...I have to be honest- they were a much wanted gift. By him obviously, they're not my thing, but then it wasn't my birthday! Now if I ever got a set of sewer rods that would be a different matter altogether!

Ems I've seen that dude with those ridiculous scary dolls-it's wild, isn't it?! You have to admire how brass necked he is though! As for the merchant-a lovely sister of mine got me a lovely voucher too&I have yet to use it!! It's going to be used before I pop this next sprog though! By the way, class blog today&everyone, PLEASE VOTE!! Mary xxx

Can hardly tell it's you because you're so FAR AWAY in that BIG room.Caramel Squares? They featured in the original plot of True Grit. But then John Wayne feared they'd make him look girlie, especially keeping in mind his middle name, so the caramel had to go, to be replaced by more shooting.Busking? He is a lazy scut. I should know. I busked with a tape player hidden behind a biscuit tin (to collect money) just down from Corn Market behind BHS (as was)... Hallelujah Chorus etc. Went down well with old ladies.

Congrats on making the finals! Just found your blog from the MAD finaist shortlist and can see why it's on there! As someone who is fathoming getting her one small baby out the house for fresh air, how on earth do you manage it with five?! Look forward to new posts. Kate, ( http://babyroutes.co.uk )

How did I miss this! What a treat, love the Merchant, I only stayed there once (before the renovations) and we were upgraded to a suite, amazing. Your room looks fabulous, more to my taste that the older rooms. Now onto more important things, who is your traybake supplier and do caramel squares freeze?

Thank you!

The whole crew

About Me

My name is Emma and I’m a mother to 5 children, one girl, aged 14 and four boys, aged 12, 10, 8 and 3. I'm married to Damian, aka Loverboy, family man, a great father and love of my life. (Unless we're having a row-then he has other names.)
In a previous life, I studied and worked in psychology, counselling and teaching-now I'm at home full time.
This blog began quite by chance a few years ago, and through it I've mused about raising a family, while attempting to hold on to my sanity.
I believe that when we give ourselves permission as parents, to be less than perfect, and even admit that it sometimes sucks, we can relax more and enjoy the ride.
Parenting has seasons-some are tougher than others but they all DO pass, and sharing them here with you, has made the journey so much sweeter and lots more fun....so thank you.
Oh, and along the way, I've also discovered a love for writing...but that's another story.
Belfast boy C.S. Lewis said it best,
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”
So stick around-I've a feeling we could be friends,
Emma xxx